Childminder, Out-of school day care in West Sussex

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY304195 Inspection date 26/01/2009 Inspector Teresa Elkington

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five years, in Copthorne, West Sussex. The whole of the childminder’s house, which is accessed via a front step, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She currently has one child on roll, in the early years age range, who attends on a part time basis. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She walks or drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local mother and toddler group and local childminding group. The family has a pet rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm, safe and welcoming environment which enables children to thrive and develop at their own pace. Children enjoy a stimulating environment that promotes their individual development in all areas of learning. She has developed good relationships with the parents, which ensures a consistent approach. The childminder successfully evaluates the service she provides to ensure that it is developed to support all aspects of the work. The childminder has a committed and enthusiastic approach towards developing the quality of her provision and has identified her future training needs to ensure that she develops and extends her knowledge in support of her work with young children.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that children’s next steps are being clearly identified through the use of observational records and used in leading future planning

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provision

The childminder's clear understanding of safeguarding issues ensure children are well protected from harm or abuse. She undertakes regular and rigorous risk assessments to monitor hazards to children in all aspects of the service she provides, which ensures their continued safety. The childminder has successfully gained her first aid certificate, which ensures that children are cared for appropriately in the event of an accidental injury. Hygiene routines are in place and effective. For example, child-sized steps allow young children to learn the importance of good hand washing routines in an independent manner. The childminder has formed positive relationships with parents. They receive detailed information about the setting through the clear polices and procedures that the childminder has adopted, with additional information being available through the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

use of a well presented notice board. Systems are in place to ensure that there is a two way exchange of information, through the use of daily diaries and ongoing verbal communication. The childminder manages children's information well, as these are filed and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. The childminder plans her day well and ensures all of the children's needs and routines are incorporated. Systems have been formulated to observe what children can do and to plot their achievements in their learning journeys. However, this information is yet to be developed to ensure that future activities are planned effectively to ensure that children are sufficiently challenged to support and encourage their next steps in learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides an attractive range of age appropriate play resources that children are eager to use. Toys are well organised to allow children to develop their independence by selecting their own activities and initiate their own games. Children enjoy regular outdoor pursuits to encourage their awareness of developing a healthy life style and aid the development of their physical skills. Children enjoy both child initiated and adult led activities. The childminder is very supportive in all aspects of children's play and expertly fosters the interests of children within their chosen activities. For example, children enjoy their favourite television programmes as they enjoy a period of relaxation and show great enthusiasm as they enjoy a game of indoor football with the full participation of the childminder. Children's imagination is encouraged as they have access to a range of resources that allows them to act familiar scenarios within their own lives.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder places a high emphasis on children's health and well-being, which helps children to develop a healthy lifestyle and protects them from the risk of cross infection. They enjoy nourishing meals which are freshly prepared, taking into account children's individual dietary needs. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as they abide by clear rules when out and about and what to do in the event of an emergency as they actively practise fire drills under the guidance of the childminder. Children enjoy warm and loving interactions with the childminder. She is fully supportive and offers ongoing guidance all that children do to ensure that they gain purposeful learning experiences. Children receive ongoing praise and encouragement from the childminder and learn the importance of sharing and playing harmoniously through the clear boundaries that are in place. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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